Pad for sitting or standing in an outdoor setting

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a durable, decorative attachable pad that can be used with a cooler, as a helm pad, or in other applications. The cooler pad can be shaped to fit on the top of a cooler, and can be attached to the cooler as an aftermarket accessory. In example embodiments, the cooler pad is configured for removable attachment to the cooler which allows for repeated detaching and reattaching as desired by the user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/526,779 filed Jun. 29, 2017, the entirety ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of sportingaccessories, and more particularly to a pad for sitting or standing inan outdoor setting. The pad is configured for attachment to the top of acooler to provide a comfortable seating surface. The pad can also beconfigured for attachment to the deck of a boat adjacent to the helm toprovide a comfortable standing surface.

BACKGROUND

It has been found desirable to provide a cushioned pad for placement ona seating or standing surface to improve comfort. Cushioned pads canhelp to reduce discomfort and fatigue. It has been found that people sitand stand for periods of time outdoors. For example, boat captains andpilots stand at the boat helm for extended periods of time. In otherexamples, people may sit on coolers that are used to transport food anddrink to parties and other gatherings. Many people own the same make andmodel of cooler and those coolers are generally indistinguishable fromone another. It is advantageous to attach decorative items to coolers todistinguish them from other coolers of a similar make and model.

It would be advantageous to provide a cushioned pad for use on anoutdoor seating or standing surface. For example a cooler pad can beattached to a top surface of a cooler to provide a comfortable seatingsurface. In other examples a helm pad can be attached to the deck of theboat adjacent the helm to provide a comfortable standing surface for aboat pilot. Such a pad would be exposed to outdoor elements such asultraviolet (UV) light, extreme temperatures, and salt water in additionto enhanced wear and tear. Previously known pads are not designed forprolonged exposure to outdoor elements.

Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for a cushioned padsuitable for use outdoors with enhanced wear resistance, resistance tothe elements, and improved color-fastness and resistance to fading. Theneed also exist for a cooler pad that allows users to use the cooler asa seating surface and distinguishes the cooler from other coolers of asimilar make and model. It is to the provision of a pad meeting theseand other needs that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY

In example embodiments, the present invention provides a durable,decorative attachable pad that can be used with a cooler to provide animproved seating surface. In alternate embodiments, the inventionprovides a helm or floor pad for improved standing comfort. According toexample forms of the invention, the pad is wear resistant, waterresistance, resistant to the elements, and exhibits improvedcolor-fastness and resistance to fading in use.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a compressible pad for use on acooler, the pad comprising a top surface that is contact by the user anda bottom surface that engages a top surface of the cooler. The padincludes a face material forming the top surface of the pad and a fillmaterial positioned beneath a portion of the face material. The topsurface of the pad comprises a graphic design.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a compressible pad forattachment to an outdoor flooring surface, the pad comprises acompressible and resilient fill material, having a top surface and abottom surface, and a face material covering the top surface of the fillmaterial. The face material is resistant to ultraviolet light. The outerperiphery of the pad comprises a beveled edge. At least a portion of theface material comprises a surface treatment configured to increase thecoefficient of friction between a user and the face material.

In still another aspect, the present invention relates to a pad foroutdoor use, the pad comprising a compressible and resilient fillmaterial, having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a face materialcovering the top surface of the fill material. The face material isresistant to ultraviolet light. The pad also includes a releasableattachment means positioned adjacent the bottom surface of the fillmaterial.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention willbe understood with reference to the drawing figures and detaileddescription herein, and will be realized by means of the variouselements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following brief description of the drawings anddetailed description of example embodiments are explanatory of exampleembodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention,as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a pad for sitting or standing in an outdoorsetting according to an example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side cross section of the pad of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pad of FIG. 1 attached to the top ofa cooler.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the pad of FIG. 1 attached to the top of acooler.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the pad of FIG. 1 attached to a boatdeck.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the pad of FIG. 1 being depressed by afoot of a user.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pad according to another exampleembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a pad according to another example embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a pad according to another example embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the pad of FIG. 9 attached to a boatdeck.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description of example embodiments taken inconnection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part ofthis disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is notlimited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parametersdescribed and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein isfor the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of exampleonly and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Anyand all patents and other publications identified in this specificationare incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference toa particular numerical value includes at least that particular value,unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressedherein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to“about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueand/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values areexpressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it willbe understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

With reference now to the drawing figures, FIGS. 1-6 show a durableand/or decorative cushioned pad or mat 10 according to an exampleembodiment of the present invention. The pad 10 generally comprises adepressible fill material 20 surrounded by a durable face material 30.The fill and face materials 20, 30 of the pad 10 are selected to besuitable for prolonged outdoor use, including exposure to salt water andUV light. The fill and face materials 20, 30 can combine to providewater, stain, and UV resistance. In use, the pad 10 can be attached toan elevated seating surface, such as a cooler C, to provide comfort whena user is seated on the elevated surface. The pad 10 can also bepositioned on a flooring surface, such as the deck D of a boat at thehelm H or the floor of an outdoor work station, to provide comfort whena user is standing on the flooring surface. In this manner, the pad 10provides increased sitting or standing comfort and reduces fatigue. Forexample, in the marine setting, the pad 10 can help absorb energy andreduce stresses and impact from waves and choppy water in both sittingand standing applications. This allows pilots or other users to travelsafely for longer distances and remain more alert and less fatigued. Thepad 10 can also include a customizable decorative feature such a graphicdesign or logo. The decorative feature can help a user distinguish theircooler or boat from others of a similar make and model.

Generally, the pad 10 comprises a top surface 12 and a bottom surface14. The top surface 12 is contacted by the user. The bottom surface 14is attached to or engages the standing or seating surface, discussedfurther below. In the depicted embodiment, the pad 10 is rectangular. Inother embodiments, the pad 10 can be other shapes including oval,circular, and polygonal. The pad 10 can optionally include beveled edges16. In other words, the outer periphery of the pad 10 is sloped suchthat the depth of the pad at its outer periphery is less than the depthof the pad at its center. The beveled edges 16 can reduce tripping andinjury. The beveled edges 16 can also be configured to make the pad 10compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In exampleembodiments, an edge inclination angle θ is formed by the beveledsurface 16, as best shown in FIG. 2. In example embodiments, the edgeinclination angle θ is about 30° or less. In preferred embodiments, theedge inclination angle θ is about 20° or less.

In example embodiments, the top surface 12 of the pad 10 is formed fromthe face material 30, as best shown in FIG. 2. In example embodiments,the face material 30 is preferably water-resistant, mold-inhibiting,slip-resistant, resistant to damage from saltwater, and resistant to UVlight or other damage from the sun. The face material 30 can be formedof a fabric material. In example embodiments, the face material 30 isformed from a fabric comprising a durable material such as polyester,nylon, vinyl, or cotton. In other embodiments, a combination of variousmaterials can be used to form the face material 30. The face material 30can be formed from a woven or knitted fabric material of various deniersand constructions. The face material 30 can be formed from molded orextruded sheets of natural or synthetic materials. The face material canalso comprise various grades of vinyl, urethane, or hydrographic films.

The face material 30 can comprise a graphic design or logo 40 positionedon the top surface 12 of the pad 10. The design 40 allows users tocustomize or personalize the pad 10. The design 40 can include prints,patterns, artwork, photographs, logos, advertising material, graphicdesigns, and text. The design 40 can be formed in the face material 30using various grades of in-mold graphics where the design is integrallyformed in the face material. In other embodiments, the design 40 isprinted on the face material 30 that forms the top surface 12 of the pad10. Several print methods and techniques can be used to produce thedesign 40 on the face material 30. Example print methods includedye-sublimation—offset and digital, digital inkjet including solvent,eco solvent, acid, and latex, and screen printing. These printingmethods coupled with the above described face materials 30 allow forhigh quality printing and photographic resolution. The combination alsoallows for improved resistance to the elements and increased longevityin outdoor use. In example embodiments, the pad 10 is rated for outdooruse having at least about a 3 to 5 year outdoor rating.

The face material 30 generally covers the fill material 20. In exampleembodiments, the face material 20 covers the top surface 22 of the fillmaterial 20. In other embodiments, the face material surrounds the fillmaterial. The fill material 20 can comprise a compressible and resilientfoam material, for example polyurethane, polyolefin, polystyrene,polyvinyl chloride, polychloroprene, ethylene-vinyl acetate, orsynthetic rubber. In example embodiments, the fill material 20 comprisesclosed-cell foam. In alternate embodiments, the fill material 20comprises open-cell foam. In example embodiments, the fill material 20is preferably water-resistant, mold-inhibiting, and resistant to damagefrom saltwater. The fill material can include a variety of thicknesses.For example, the thickness of the fill material 20 can range betweenaround ⅛″ to around 3″. In example embodiments, the fill material 20results in an overall pad thickness of between about ¼″ and about ¾″,for example ¼″, ½″ or ¾″ pad thickness. The fill material 20 can have avariety of densities, selected to suit the intended application. Inexample embodiments, the density of the fill material 20 can range fromaround 3 PCF (pounds per cubic foot) to around 30 PCF. In otherembodiments, the fill material 30 has a density of between about 8 PCFand about 16 PCF In example embodiments, the fill material 20 has adensity that allows it to compress when sat on or stepped on by a user,as shown in FIG. 6.

The bottom surface 14 of the pad 10 generally includes a means ofattaching the pad to a sitting or seating surface. In exampleembodiments, the pad 10 is configured for releasable attachment to asurface such that the pad can be place and removed multiple times.Example releasable attachment means include a pressure sensitiveadhesive (PSA) film with a release liner. The PSA film is attached tothe bottom surface 14 of the pad 10 adjacent the bottom of the fillmaterial. The PSA film allows the pad 10 to be used with a variety ofseating and standing surfaces without having a corresponding attachmentmeans present on said surface. Other releasable attachment means includemetal and plastic snapping fasteners, metal and plastic pin fasteners,metal and plastic push-in rivets, and hook and loop fasteners. Inpreferred embodiments, the attachment means does not require drilling orany other permanent modification to the support surface. In otherembodiments, the pad 10 is permanently attached to a support surface. Instill other embodiments, the pad rests on a support surface withoutpositive attachment means.

In a first mode of use, shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the pad 10 can beattached to a seating support surface such as the top of a cooler C. Thecooler pad 10 can be sized and shaped to fit on the top of a standardcommercially made cooler C and generally conform to the peripheralcontours of the cooler. The pad 10 can be attached to the cooler C bythe end user as an aftermarket accessory, or provided as originalequipment from the cooler manufacturer. In example embodiments, the pad10 is removably attachable to the cooler C, which allows for repeateddetaching and reattaching as desired by the user. The removably attachedpad 10 also allows a single pad 10 to be used with a variety of coolersor in different modes of use. In other embodiments, the pad 10 ispermanently attached to the cooler C. In example embodiments, the pad 10is attached to the top or lid of the cooler C.

The pad 10 allows the user to customize the appearance of the cooler Cand use it as a seat. The pad 10 can be used with roto-molded coolers,as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Examples of roto-molded coolers includecoolers produced by Yeti™, Rtic™, and Orca™. The pad 10 is also suitablefor use on traditional flat top coolers. Examples of traditional flattop coolers include coolers produced by Coleman™ and Igloo™. The pad 10can be shaped and dimensioned to match a specific make and model ofcooler C. Alternatively, the pad 10 can be shaped and dimensioned to fiton a variety of cooler makes and models. This ability allows forunlimited personalization and customization of the pad 10.

In another mode of use, shown in FIG. 5, the pad 10 can be attached to afloor or standing surface, for example, the deck D of a boat. The pad 10can be positioned on the deck D near the helm H of the boat such that acaptain or pilot can stand on the pad while operating the boat. Thedepressible pad 10 can provide anti-fatigue benefits for pilots standingat the helm. Shock from the waves and choppy water can be absorbed bythe pad 10, offering increased comfort and less fatigue than standing onthe hard fiberglass floor of the boat. In other modes of use, the pad 10can also be placed on the deck D adjacent the hull of the boat for useby fisherman. The pad 10 can include a removable attachment mechanismsuch that the same pad can be used both at the helm H of the boat andelsewhere on the boat deck. The pad 10 can also be used in other outdoorstanding applications, for example at an outdoor workstation.

The helm pad 10 can be sized and shaped to fit between the helm H and abench or seat positioned behind the helm on the boat deck D. In someboats, the distance between the helm H and the bench is between about 14inches and about 20 inches. In other boats, the distance between thehelm H and the bench is between about 16 inches and about 22 inches.Example embodiments of the helm pad 10 have a width of less than 22inches. In other embodiments, the helm pad 10 has a width of less than20 inches. In preferred embodiments, the helm pad 10 has a width ofabout 16 inches. In other preferred embodiments, the helm pad 10 has awidth of about 14 inches. The width of the helm pad 10 can be larger orsmaller to accommodate different boat deck configurations.

The pad 10 can also be dimensioned such that its length is not longerthan the width of the helm H or bench. This ensures that the entire helmpad 10 is positioned between the helm H and bench and does not extend towalkways positioned on either side of the helm. In some boats, the helmand/or bench have a width of between about 30 inches and about 42inches. In other boats, the helm and/or bench have a width of betweenabout 33 inches and about 45 inches. Example embodiments of the helm pad10 have a length of less than 45 inches. In other embodiments, the helmpad has a width of less than 42 inches. In preferred embodiments, thehelm pad 10 has a length of about 39 inches. In other preferredembodiments, the helm pad 10 has a length of about 36 inches. The lengthof the helm pad 10 can be larger or smaller to accommodate differentboat deck configurations.

In other embodiments, the top surface 112 of the pad 100 includes atextured surface to provide friction and reducing slipping. In exampleembodiments, the textured surface include a pattern 150 cut into the topsurface 112 of the pad 100. For example, in FIG. 7 the top surface 112of the pad 10 includes a plurality of grooves or slots 150 configured toprovide friction. The grooves 150 can also allow for liquid drainagewhich helps prevent liquids from accumulating on the top surface 112 ofthe pad creating a slipping hazard. In other embodiments, the pattern150′ cut into the top surface 112 can be more elaborate to both increasefriction and provide a decorative aesthetic.

In other embodiments, the pad 200 includes a raised textured surface 250created by a pattern of raised portions extending from the top surface212 of the pad. As shown in FIG. 9, the top surface 212 of the pad caninclude a raised diamond plate texture 250. In other embodiments, otherpatterns and designs of raised surfaces are used. The pads 100, 200 withtextured surfaces are particularly applicable to marine modes of usewhere the pad is exposed to water. As shown in FIG. 10, the pad 200 canbe place on a boat deck D to provide a cushioned, low-slip surface foruse while operating a boat.

While the invention has been described with reference to exampleembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that avariety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scopeof the invention, as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A compressible pad for use on a cooler, the padcomprising: a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the bottomsurface engages a top surface of the cooler and the top surface iscontacted by a user; a face material forming the top surface of the pad;and a fill material positioned beneath a portion of the face material;wherein the top surface of the pad comprises a graphic design.
 2. Thecompressible pad of claim 1, wherein the graphic design is integrallyformed in the face material.
 3. The compressible pad of claim 1, whereinthe graphic design is printed onto the face material.
 4. The pad ofclaim 1, wherein the face material is selected from at least one ofpolyester, nylon, vinyl, cotton, and combinations thereof.
 5. The pad ofclaim 1, wherein the pad has a rectangular shape.
 6. The pad of claim 1,wherein the pad is releasably attached to the top surface of the cooler.7. The pad of claim 1, wherein the pad is permanently attached to thetop surface of the cooler.
 8. A compressible pad for attachment to adeck of a boat adjacent a boat helm, the pad comprising: a compressibleand resilient fill material having a top surface and a bottom surface; aface material covering the top surface of the fill material, wherein theface material is resistant to ultra-violet light; and a beveled edgepositioned on an outer periphery of the pad; wherein at least a portionof the face material comprises a surface treatment configured toincrease the coefficient of friction between a user and the facematerial.
 9. The pad of claim 8, wherein the beveled edge is inclined atan angle of 30 degrees or less.
 10. The pad of claim 8, wherein thebeveled edge is inclined at an angle of 20 degrees or less.
 11. The padof claim 8, wherein the surface treatment comprises one or more groovescut into the face material.
 12. The pad of claim 8, wherein the surfacetreatment comprises one or more raised portions extending upward fromthe face material.
 13. The pad of claim 8, wherein the pad has a widthand wherein the width of the pad is less than 22 inches.
 14. The pad ofclaim 8, wherein the pad has a length and wherein the length of the padis less than 45 inches.
 15. A pad for outdoor use comprising: acompressible and resilient fill material having a top surface and abottom surface; a face material covering the top surface of the fillmaterial, wherein the face material is resistant to ultraviolet light;and a releasable attachment means positioned adjacent the bottom surfaceof the fill material.
 16. The pad of claim 15, wherein the fill materialcomprises a foam material.
 17. The pad of claim 16, wherein the foammaterial is selected from at least one of polyurethane, polyolefin,polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polychloroprene, ethylene-vinylacetate, synthetic rubber, and combinations thereof.
 18. The pad ofclaim 15, wherein the density of the fill material is between 8 PCF and16 PCF.
 19. The pad of claim 15, wherein pad has a thickness and whereinthe thickness of the pad is between ¼ inches and ¾ inches.
 20. The padof claim 15, wherein the releasable attachment means comprises pressuresensitive adhesive film.